How Can Legionnaires' Disease Be Prevented In The Workplace?

How Can Legionnaires’ Disease Be Prevented In The Workplace?

Legionella bacteria are present throughout the environment within fresh water sources and even in some soil or compost products. Problems commonly occur when the bacteria gain entry to man-made water systems such as air-conditioning units, hot and cold-water systems, spa baths, showers, sprinkler systems, irrigation systems, even humidifiers, where the temperature suits them perfectly for breeding and spreading.

The most important way of preventing the spread of Legionnaires’ Disease is by being aware of it and taking reasonable precautions to stop it – and the best way to start is with a thorough risk assessment.

This must include the following:

• Identifying and assessing sources of risk
• Managing the risk
• Preventing or controlling the risk
• Keeping records

Identifying and assessing sources of risk

If you are an employer or the person responsible for the maintenance of a building or business, then responsibility falls to you for carrying out the risk assessment. You must identify:

• If the water temperature within any part of your system is between 20-45 centigrade
• If water is stored or recirculated as part of your system
• If there are sources of food for the bacteria such as organic matter, biofilms, rust, sludge or scale
• If conditions are likely to let the bacteria multiply
• If it is possible for water to be vaporised, such as in a shower or an air-conditioning cooling tower
• Are any employees or visitors likely to be susceptible to infection due to old age, ill health, a weakened immune system, and whether there is any likelihood that they could come into contact with water droplets or vapour.

Managing the Risk

If it is established that there is a potential risk of Legionnaires’ Disease, then someone should be appointed to control the risk, they will be responsible for ensuring that any workers or subcontractors adhere to specific standards in reducing the danger.

Preventing or Controlling Risk

In some cases risks can be reduced by replacing equipment, systems or machinery with newer, more efficient and safer set-ups, but if this is not achievable then other methods such as regular, proper maintenance and cleaning of all aquatic machinery is essential. Those employed to carry out such maintenance must be protected from the risk through use of safe procedures, and if needs be, Personal Protective Equipment such as breathing apparatus or face masks. It is important to ensure that water does not have the chance to stagnate, particularly within the dangerous temperature range of 20 – 45 centigrade. By keeping any systems and the water within them clean, the risk of Legionnaires’ Disease can be effectively managed.

Keeping Records

Keeping a proper record of all risk assessments, cleaning and maintenance schedules not only makes it easier to identify where problems may have arisen, it also assists in proving or disproving that an outbreak has occurred.

This guidance is aimed primarily at businesses and buildings operators, but the risk of contracting Legionnaires’ Disease is not confined to these situations. If you own a hot tub or spa bath, if you collect water in water butts, or if your home has a water tank or air conditioning system then the responsibility falls to you to ensure that they are properly cleaned and maintained – any specialist contractors that you use to carry out these tasks should also be suitably trained and protected from the bacteria.

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